Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in food and beverage but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shahab Nawaz founder of Cheese Plate Park Slope, located in Brooklyn, NY.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Cheese Plate Brooklyn is a Specialty Store & Cafe with a Focus on Artisanal Cheese. We carry over 350 Cheeses from 40+ Countries. Aside from that, we have many Middle Eastern/ South Asian delicacies/desserts. Our goal is to introduce new and exciting products/foods from all over the world and merge them with existing longstanding cuisines and dishes.
Tell us about yourself
My first job before going away to college was at a cheese shop in New York City, that experience really ignited my passion for Fine Foods. When the Pandemic hit in early 2020, I was working as a Consultant at an Investment Bank. When my team shifted to fully Remote- Work I found myself having lots of free time so I decided to use that time to launch Cheese Plate. As far as my motivation goes, I've always wanted to be in the Food&Hospitality Business and my future goals include expanding and sharing my love of specialty foods with more people.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
Opening in the middle of Pandemic and being able to do it effectively and safely. This whole business was Bootstrapped by personal funds with help from my brother. In doing so we currently are a debt-free Business and have been profitable in our first year of operation.
Aside from that, my biggest accomplishment would be the build-out of the Shop. When we first opened we got quotes for building out the shop from professional contractors, However, due to market conditions during 2020, the quotes were almost 50% above the market, and simply put I couldn't afford to pay those prices. So I decided to learn on the fly and built out the whole shop myself, having no prior experience building anything I am quite proud of how quickly I learned and how the shop currently looks. This also led to me opening up Saintcloudnyc.com (@saintcloudnyc) which showcases my love for DIY building.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I believe the hardest part is the effect it has on your personal relationships with your friends/partners/family. Since we opened in December 2020 I have worked 7 days a week and 12+ hours a day and unfortunately, as a result, I have missed many Birthdays, Celebrations, Anniversaries, etc.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
I believe the most important part of running a successful business is having a knowledgeable and experienced team that isn't afraid to challenge your decisions. I am lucky in the fact that my team includes my Father & Brother, both of which provide a unique Skillset and insight.
Aside from that, continually accessing your financial health and managing expenses is key to healthy growth.
Anything else you'd like to share?
We are now excited to be accepting Online Orders through our website Cheeseplatebrooklyn.com and working on launching a new Prepared Food Program which will include sandwiches, salads, dips, pizzas!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: http://cheeseplatebrooklyn.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cheeseplatebrooklyn/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cheeseplatebrooklyn/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cheese-plate-park-slope/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solopreneur that you'd like to share, then email community@subkit.com; we'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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